[cavsct]

Originally posted this at Edmunds, but thought I'd try here also. I narrowed my choices down to the 325i or the S60T5 and I think I'm going with the S60. I'm lucky in that I'm U.S. military in Germany and I get my purchase tax-free with some discounts. Whaddya think about this deal?

S60T5 with the Manual (Spaceball)-- $28200
Touring Package-- $550
Sport Leather Seats-- $1300
Cold Weather Package-- $450
17" Wheels-- $500
Rebate-- -$565

Total-- $30,435

Plus, my wife and I will go to Sweden to pick it up on the boat trip... good deal?

I know this is subjective, but what other options do you think I'll kick myself later for not getting? Can't quite justify the nav system, but I'm open to suggestions. Thanks!

 

[heatfries]

I think it is a good deal. We are military in Japan and that price beats the one offered through Japan military sales?!? Uhmm.... that base price is $700 lower plus you got the rebate.

We ordered the 2.4 w/intro package and automatic. It totalled $26,750. We also got a rebate of $400.

One time while we in the VOLVO dealership, a couple that had ordered a 5 series BMW was going to cancel their order to get the S60 instead... if that tells you anything!

[This message has been edited by heatfries (edited 03-28-2001).]

 

[damyeu]

Don't leave the Audiomax out of the equation.

 

[cavsct]

What's up with the Audiomax? Is that the 4-CD in dash deal? Or is that part of the AOL thing? The AOL thing is not available here... thanks.

 

[damyeu]

AOL is not available where I am. But some owners were allowed the option to upgrade from HU-603 to the top of the line HU-803 (13 speaker system).

 

[S.R.]

cavsct,

It sounds like you are getting an excellent deal on your S60 T5! Since you are getting such a great deal, I would seriously consider getting DSTC and the AudioMax sound system, especially if you like to listen to music. The AudioMax system has nothing to do with the AOL deal, it is a feature by itself.

-Drew

 

[cavsct]

I thought that DSTC came with the cold weather package... will have to check. Is the audiomax just the upgraded audio package? If so, I've read a few articles that say the standard CD/stereo is really good already... I do listen to a lot of music, but do you think the quality justifies the expense? Thanks for the input.

 

[cavsct]

Just ordered yesterday! Went ahead and bought the sliptronic... wife couldn't stand the spaceball. Will pick it up in Sweden on/about the 11th of June!

 

[S.R.]

cavsct,

It sounds like you got an amazing deal! An S60 T5 with the options you picked would have at least cost $37,000 in the United States. BTW, what options did you end up getting and how did the price turn out if you don't mind me asking?

-Drew

 

[cavsct]

I ended up getting everything BUT the upgraded stereo and the navigation system. The dealer was very honest and thought both were too much for what you get... I agreed.

So, here's the specs:

S60 T5 Black
Graphite/Graphite Leather Interior
Moonroof
Sliptronic
Touring Package
Cold Weather Package
Tethis Wheels
Rubber Floor Mats

Final Price: $32,385.

Bummer thing is a co-worker is getting an identical car with the nav system and the upgraded stereo... I feel like I'm getting one-upped!!! Just kidding.

Now, will work on getting a buyer for my 99 Saab 95 wagon! I'm going back to school and am looking to streamline to one car for the next couple of years and the circumstances will allow that...

Drew (Indy)-- does the nick imply that you are a hoosier? Oh yeah, in response to your earlier post, DSTC came with it!

 

[S.R.]

It sounds like you got a really nice car. Even with the TDS (Tourist and Diplomat Sales) purchase option, we in the US still could not swing that good of a deal. You are very lucky in that regards.

In Germany do they call the auto-manual transmission "Sliptronic"? In the US it is called "Geartronic".

BTW, I am not really an Indiana Hoosiers fan. I just picked that nick name because I am a auto-fan in general and of course Indianapolis is kind of synonyomous with that.

-Drew

 

[stone]

Man that car cost in PR 44,900. I am so jelous. I have to move to the states man!!!

 

[damyeu]

That car in Singapore costs between US$96000 and US$102000 and it does not include:

DSTC
Touring Package
NAV System

I should really move to the US.

 

[cavsct]

You're right... geartronic... was looking at BMWs also, who call them sliptronics...

Porsche = Tiptronic
BMW = Sliptronic
Volvo = Geartronic

My bad!

 

[Gunner]

He got such a good price due to two factors. 1) He is getting special military pricing/same as diplomat 2)He does not have to pay the extra 700$ for the transport fee because he is picking the car up in Europe. I am an active duty servicemember in Korea. The Korea dealership that deals with U.S. military routinely offers 400$ off military pricing (offsets 700$). For any U.S. servicemembers overseas get to know your dealer. He will routinely get a list of available preconfigured vehicles for additional discounts over the already low military base pricing. I just ordered the following..

classic red 2,4,T leather sand interior W/O SUNROOF, interior air qual system, cold weather pkg, power mirrors, first aid kit, leather steering wheel, 17" wheels, cd player, cupholder in dash.
Price 27,500 U.S

I particularly happy with this particular config because I didn't care for sunroof which you have to order for U.S. 2,4 T models.

 

[S.R.]

quote:

Originally posted by Gunner:

I particularly happy with this particular config because I didn't care for sunroof which you have to order for U.S. 2,4 T models.

It sounds like you got a great deal as well. That is the nice thing about TDS, you don't have to deal with US Spec. option packages, and you can configure things exactly like you want them.

-Drew

 

[Washington Irving]

Sounds like a great deal.

I thought the military didn't pay very well. You guys get to buy new volvos and blow stuff up? Sounds like heaven to me.

 

[cavsct]

Well-- for some the military doesn't pay well at all. Hopefully those servicemembers are the ones who will get the biggest parts of the proposed pay raises. I can't complain about my pay. The Army paid for my bachelor's degree and is sending me to get my master's this summer for two years enroute to a professor's assignment... but, I do have peers on the outside world with similar qualifications that make a whole lot more with far fewer hours...

And, yes, blowing stuff up is certainly a perk. I hate to say it, but even the Volvo can't quite match the feeling of destroying a target at 2,500 meters while on the move in an M1A1 tank! But, my "tactical" days will be over very soon for at least the next five years...

Maybe we should sign you up?

 

[Washington Irving]

Glad I didn't come off as too much of a smart ass. I am actually very glad to see that some of the people who serve are rewarded for the risk. I was pretty pissed off when I saw a dateline type show about enlisted families getting handouts from local churches because they are below poverty.

Now that I'm really off topic, I'd like to thank all who serve, and their families.